This course, Humanities 103, is designed to acquaint you with a body of material
with which cultured people of the Western world have been familiar for millennia.
Through readings and exposure to other works of art and cultural products, you
will come to know some of the world's most influential mythology in more thorough
and meaningful ways than its contemporary reduction to cheesy vestiges and obscure
trivia questions.

We will explore the theory of myth and the uses of myth in art, literature, and
film; but more importantly, we will try to tap into "the power of myth" -- the
cultural and psychological implications of myths -- that is, their impact on the
minds and lives of those who have been influenced by them, especially ourselves.

Graeco-Roman myth, which played a key role in shaping Western culture, will make
up the bulk of the course's readings, as we put into perspective some crucial
developments of Western thought through a focus on the greatest hits of the ancient
world. I am particularly interested in how the principles and issues raised in this
body of Classical literature survive and arise in our own contemporary culture.
I will encourage you to see and to make connections between ideas, attitudes, and
cultures in classroom discussions, and to keep track of ideas (or myths) currently
circulating that interest you.

There will be much to cover in this semester, but you can master this material
more easily than you'd suspect. It's like starting to watch a soap opera, or the
first time you began watching a cable series: you've heard a few of the names
already, you catch on to a few key plots, you stick with it for a while, and
gradually you're an expert and you realize the field that seemed so vast before
was actually finite after all.

Naturally I have many interests that involve these works; and we'll discuss matters
such as the presentation of monsters, women, reptiles, men, arrogance, and death.
But I'm just as anxious to hear and to read your discoveries concerning these myths.

I've come to believe that this material contains real wisdom: better than most
"literature," much more valuable than those cheap one-line adages being bandied
about constantly these days, and more healing and affordable than psychotherapy.

Course Objectives:

To gain exposure to some of the major artistic works that have shaped Western
culture, its later arts, and the way we think.

To increase intellectual maturation and clarification of our own values through
examination of ideas and attitudes in cultural contexts.

To develop skills in verbal analysis and critical thinking through reading,
discussion, and writing about literature and other artistic media.

To develop visual literacy, including recognition of key works, motifs,
and implicit ideologies.

Required Text:

[You may use other scholarly editions of the following texts but at your own
risk; exams will be based largely on quotations drawn from these versions.]

[Lots of other crucial and cool materials will be provided through Angel,
in handouts, and on videotape.]

Course Requirements:

A significant part of your life this semester has to become Mythology. But at
least you won't be alone. Because classroom interaction is essential for this
to be a valuable experience, more than three absences will affect your grade
regardless of reason. Additionally, no late assignments of any sort will be
accepted. Here's the math:

1) I will frequently ask you for relatively minor homework assignments to
be posted to discussion spaces in Angel),
designed primarily to stimulate subsequent discussion and to practice conventions
for writing about humanities. At other times I will ask you to answer questions
in writing in class, often ad lib responses to the reading before class
discussion begins. Homework assignments and quizzes will receive numerical
grades (points) and, although these writings cannot be made up (except for
a couple optional writings that can take their place), the final semester
totals will be curved if necessary. (30%)

2) You will submit two short written projects: perhaps a manuscript
analyzing a myth or mythological theme, or a collaborative project involving
the construction of a useful web page. I will offer suggested topics and
possibilities with the assignment. (30%)

3) Class participation and other service to the learning community will
be expected (occasional group work, for example). (10%)

4) A midterm and some form of a final exam will either delight and entertain
you or oppress and crush you. (30%)

Some introductory advice about succeeding with homework and exams can
be found here.

Students with Disabilities:

I am committed to providing assistance to help you be successful
in this course. Reasonable accommodations are available for students
with a documented disability. If you have a disability and may need
accommodations to participate in this class fully, please visit the
Access Center (Washington Building 217) at the start of the semester
to meet with an Access Advisor. All accommodations must be approved
through the Access Center. Either drop by the Access Center or call
509-335-3417 to schedule an appointment.

Academic Integrity:

As an institution of higher education, Washington State University
is committed to principles of truth and academic honesty. All members
of the University community share the responsibility for maintaining
and supporting these principles. When a student enrolls in Washington
State University, the student assumes an obligation to pursue academic
endeavors in a manner consistent with the standards of academic
integrity adopted by the University. The University does not tolerate
acts of academic dishonesty including any forms of cheating, plagiarism,
or fabrication. Any student plagiarizing on any assignment or cheating
on any exam in this class will receive an F for the course and will be
referred to the Office of Student Conduct, who remind us that Washington
State University reserves the right and the power to discipline or to
exclude students who engage in academic dishonesty.